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Performance Level Affects Full Body Kinematics and Spatiotemporal Parameters in Trail Running-A Field Study
Matteo Genitrini1, Julian Fritz2, Thomas Stöggl3
1Department of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Salzburg, 5400 Hallein-Rif, Austria.
Sports (Basel, Switzerland)
|October 27, 2023
Summary
More proficient trail runners exhibit distinct biomechanics, especially during downhill running, utilizing greater speed and optimized joint movements. These differences highlight efficient techniques for better performance in this emerging sport.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Sports Science
- Running Physiology
Background:
- Trail running is a growing sport with limited research on its biomechanical demands in natural environments.
- Understanding biomechanical differences between runners of varying skill levels is crucial for performance optimization and injury prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the biomechanics of more proficient (MP) and less proficient (LP) trail runners during a time trial.
- To identify specific kinematic and spatiotemporal differences that contribute to performance variations in trail running.
Main Methods:
- Twenty participants (10 male, 10 female) completed a 9.1 km trail running time trial equipped with inertial sensors.
- Data analysis included spatiotemporal parameters, leg stiffness, and joint angles using Mann-Whitney U-test and statistical parametric mapping.
Main Results:
- More proficient trail runners achieved significantly faster finish times.
- Uphill: MP runners showed significantly lower knee flexion during stance. Downhill: MP runners achieved higher speeds with increased step length, greater knee and hip flexion during swing, and enhanced trunk and shoulder rotation during stance.
- No significant differences in leg stiffness were observed between groups in either section.
Conclusions:
- More proficient trail runners demonstrate unique biomechanical strategies, particularly in downhill sections, involving greater joint flexion and rotation for improved speed and efficiency.
- Findings suggest that MP athletes may have more favorable knee mechanics uphill and optimize forward momentum downhill through efficient swing leg motion.
